According to local lore, it was founded in the late Middle Ages by some citizens of Tarnovo, the then capital, who were fleeing the Ottomans or a plague epidemic, or both.

They erected huge houses and connected them with underground corridors, a marvel of engineering for the place and the time.

The village still exists, is not harshly touristified and is a favourite shooting location for film-makers.

Where in Bulgaria are you?

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